Tour info
Overview
Picturesque Vietnam tour is an 18-day journey through the country’s most naturally beautiful and culturally rich regions — designed for travelers who want to see the landscapes, meet the people, and feel the quiet magic that lives between the guidebook pages.
You’ll trek through the lush hills of Sapa, glide through the karst-studded bays of Lan Ha, wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and share home-cooked meals in the Mekong Delta. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient capitals, imperial tombs, floating markets, and peaceful countryside trails — all while traveling at a thoughtful, unhurried pace.
This tour isn’t just about beautiful views (though there are plenty). It’s about experiencing Vietnam’s beauty in all its forms — cultural, historical, and everyday.
If you’re looking for a journey that balances iconic sights with genuine local encounters, comfort with authenticity, and stories with scenery — Picturesque Vietnam is yours to explore.
And like all of our journeys, it’s fully customizable. Want to extend your time in the north or switch out a city for a beach day? Just let us know — we’ll shape the story around you.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- Journey across Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, discovering vibrant cities, peaceful villages, emerald bays, and winding mountain roads
- Trek through the rice terraces of Sapa and connect with ethnic minority communities in Vietnam’s breathtaking northern highlands
- Cruise Lan Ha Bay, a quieter, scenic alternative to Halong Bay, with cycling, kayaking, and an overnight boutique boat experience
- Explore Hoi An, Hue, and the Mekong Delta, blending cultural landmarks, countryside bike rides, and warm local encounters
- Travel at a thoughtful pace, with time to truly connect — from the mountains of the north to the river life of the Mekong
Itinerary
Xin chào! Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your private driver will be waiting to greet you. You’ll head straight to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi, where you can take your time settling in.
Depending on your energy, you might enjoy a gentle walk around the neighborhood or relax after your flight. In the evening, stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake, watch locals practicing Tai Chi, or sample Northern Vietnamese dishes at a nearby restaurant. Rest well — tomorrow, your adventure begins.
Overnight in Hanoi
Included: Private airport transfer · Hotel accommodation


After breakfast, your guide will take you on a deep dive into the cultural and political heart of Vietnam. You’ll begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the country’s most revered leader rests. Nearby, visit Uncle Ho’s simple stilt house, set amidst peaceful gardens, for a glimpse into his daily life. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a delicate wooden structure balanced on a single stone pillar, and then to the Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first university and a masterpiece of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
After a local lunch, step into history at Hoa Lo Prison, known during the Vietnam War as the “Hanoi Hilton.” It’s a powerful site that reveals stories of resilience and struggle. The afternoon continues with a visit to the Vietnam Women’s Museum, where exhibits highlight the vital roles women have played throughout the nation’s history and culture.
Later, hop on a traditional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, where everyday life spills onto the streets. Finish the day at Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple before enjoying a traditional water puppet performance — an art form unique to northern Vietnam.
Overnight in Hanoi
Included: Private A/C vehicle · Tour guide · Entrance fees · Water puppet show · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation


Depart your Hanoi hotel at 8:00 AM for a scenic journey into Vietnam’s northern highlands. As you leave the city behind, the landscape shifts to rolling hills and misty mountains. Along the way, stop for a hearty lunch at a local restaurant before continuing toward Bac Ha — a quiet mountain town known for its colorful hill tribe culture.
Upon arrival, check in to your warm and welcoming local homestay. After a short rest, set out on a gentle walk to Ban Pho Village. Home to the Flower H’mong people, this peaceful village offers insight into traditional customs, handmade textiles, and a way of life rooted in the rhythms of nature. Take in views of terraced fields and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Return to your host family’s home for a traditional dinner prepared with local ingredients. Share stories and enjoy a restful night in this charming highland retreat.
Overnight in Bac Ha
Included: Private A/C vehicle · Tour guide · Entrance fees · Meals: B, L, D · Homestay accommodation


Start your morning with a visit to one of the region’s renowned hill tribe markets — depending on the day, you may explore Bac Ha (Sunday), Coc Ly (Tuesday), or Can Cau (Saturday).
These vibrant open-air markets are a cultural mosaic, where ethnic minority groups like the Flower H’mong, Tay, Phu La, Nung, and Yao gather in bright traditional dress to trade buffaloes, textiles, herbal medicines, and daily essentials.
After lunch at a local eatery, begin your scenic drive deeper into the mountains toward Sapa. Along the way, stop at the Vietnam–China border gate for a quick photo opportunity and a glimpse across the international line. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Sapa. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Sapa
Included: Private A/C vehicle · Tour guide · Entrance fees · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation


Your trek begins along the road to Cat Cat Village, offering sweeping views over the stunning Muong Hoa Valley. Cross a suspension bridge above the Muong Hoa River, then follow a trail that climbs into the hills through a tranquil bamboo forest and lush mountain scenery.
As you hike, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of terraced rice fields, carefully carved into the mountainsides by generations of ethnic minority farmers. Along the way, there are countless photo opportunities — from water buffalo grazing in the fields to villagers in vibrant traditional dress.
Descend into Y Linh Ho Village, where you’ll enjoy a home-style lunch at a family-run restaurant operated by local H’mong people. Continue trekking through the valley to Lao Chai and on to Ta Van Village, where the Giay ethnic group resides.
Overnight in Sapa
Included: Private transfer · Trekking guide · Entrance fees · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation


Enjoy a slow morning in Sapa, with time to explore the town at your own pace. You might wander through the Sapa Market, where locals trade fresh produce, herbs, and handmade crafts, or visit the stone church at the town center — a legacy of the French colonial era. Take in the crisp mountain air, sip coffee with a view of the surrounding peaks, or simply relax at your hotel.
In the afternoon, your private driver will meet you for the return journey to Hanoi. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as you descend from the highlands and travel south through the Red River Delta. Upon arrival in Hanoi, check back into your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours — perhaps take a short walk to a favorite Old Quarter eatery or enjoy a quiet night in.
Overnight in Hanoi
Included: Private A/C vehicle · Meals: B · Hotel accommodation


Leave behind the rhythm of Hanoi and journey south into the dreamlike landscapes of Ninh Binh — where limestone karsts rise from rice paddies like stone sentinels. Your first stop is the Mua Cave. Climb the dragon-shaped staircase to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain, where panoramic views stretch over rivers, fields, and ancient peaks.
After a Vietnamese lunch, settle into your eco-lodge nestled in nature. In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle ride and follow peaceful country lanes past golden rice fields and lotus ponds. You’ll stop by a local family’s home, where stories of village life unfold — from herbal gardens to traditions passed down through generations.
As the day softens, board a wooden sampan and glide into the quiet sanctuary of Thung Nham. With over 40 species of birds returning to roost, the sky fills with graceful wings — a magical close to your first day in the Vietnamese countryside.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Included: Private car · English-speaking guide · Entrance fees · Bicycle and boat ride · Lunch · Hotel accommodation


Start your morning with a ride to a local village market, where fresh herbs, spices, and fruits fill the air with fragrance. It’s a vivid, unscripted glimpse into daily life in northern Vietnam.
Continue to the serene Bich Dong Pagoda, a complex of cave temples nestled into a cliff face, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. After a short break, take a sampan boat ride through the quiet waterways of Tam Coc, where limestone peaks, rice paddies, and stone caves create one of Vietnam’s most photogenic scenes.
In the afternoon, step into history at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient 10th-century capital. Visit the temple dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, and learn how this once-mighty kingdom helped shape the country’s early dynasties.
Return to Hanoi in the early evening — with new memories, quiet impressions, and perhaps a little more connection to the roots of Vietnam.
Overnight in Hanoi
Included: Private car · English-speaking guide · Entrance fees · Bicycle and boat ride · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation


Depart Hanoi this morning for Halong City, where you’ll board your overnight cruise through Lan Ha Bay — a serene extension of Halong Bay known for its emerald waters, sculpted karsts, and peaceful seascapes with fewer crowds.
Upon arrival at Halong International Cruise Port, check in at the cruise lounge before boarding a short speedboat transfer to your home for the night — a beautifully appointed boutique cruise ship anchored in the heart of Lan Ha Bay.
Settle into your private en-suite cabin and enjoy a gourmet Vietnamese lunch on board as the boat glides past forested islets, floating villages, and towering limestone formations. In the afternoon, disembark at Cat Ba Island for a cycling excursion to Viet Hai Village, a secluded community nestled within Cat Ba National Park. Pedal through scenic forest trails and past tranquil fishponds, organic gardens, and traditional homes — a vivid glimpse into rural island life in Vietnam.
Back on board, unwind with a herbal tea, enjoy a massage, or simply soak in the quiet beauty of the bay.
As the sun sets, join an interactive Vietnamese cooking class led by the ship’s chef. Dinner is served al fresco on the sundeck (weather permitting), where regional cuisine, live music, and a canopy of stars complete your unforgettable evening.
Overnight on board in Lan Ha Bay
Included: Shared cruise transfer · Cruise guide · All onboard activities · Meals: B, L, D · En-suite cabin accommodation


Wake early to the quiet beauty of Halong Bay. If you’re up for it, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the first light hits the limestone peaks. After a light breakfast, the cruise continues through the bay, allowing you to take in more of its serene corners and hidden gems. A hearty brunch is served on board before you return to the pier. Disembark late morning and return to Hanoi by early afternoon.
Driver pick-up and transfer to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An
Included: Shared shuttle transfer · Cruise brunch · Meals: B, Brunch · Hotel accommodation · Domestic flight


Start your morning with a gentle bicycle ride through peaceful village paths and green rice paddies en route to Kim Bong Carpentry Village, known for its skilled woodworkers and traditional boat building.
From there, board a boat and glide along the Thu Bon River toward Van Lang Fishing Village and the lush Bay Mau Water Coconut Forest. Surrounded by mangrove palms and narrow canals, this area was once a wartime refuge and is now home to generations of fishing families. Climb into a basket boat and float through the forest, where local rowers share stories, demonstrate traditional net casting, and maybe even show off some spinning tricks!
Later, join a local family for a warm and hands-on cooking experience. You’ll prepare signature Hoi An dishes like Tam Hữu (shrimp, pork, and herbs on skewers) and Bánh Xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes). After lunch, enjoy a calming foot soak with medicinal herbs, a time-honored wellness tradition.
In the afternoon, explore the heritage heart of Hoi An. Visit the Quan Cong Temple, built in honor of a Chinese general known for loyalty and courage, and wander through the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Cross the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, and visit the 200-year-old Tan Ky Ancient House, filled with original architecture and family heirlooms.
End your day wandering through the lively Hoi An Market, where fresh seafood, tropical fruit, spices, and handicrafts await.
Overnight in Hoi An
Included: Private A/C vehicle · Entrance fees · Tour guide · Bicycle · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation


Free day to relax or explore Hoi An at your own pace.
Overnight in Hoi An
Included: Hotel accommodation


After a leisurely breakfast in Hoi An, begin your journey north toward Hue — the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Travel along the scenic coastline and ascend the legendary Hai Van Pass, where misty peaks meet the sea in one of the country’s most breathtaking drives. Stop along the way to soak in panoramic views of Lang Co Bay before continuing your journey.
Before reaching the city, make a stop at the remarkable Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. A striking blend of Vietnamese tradition and French colonial influence, this hillside tomb dazzles with intricate dragon mosaics, blackened stone walls, and a richly decorated royal altar.
Continue into the city for a local lunch, where you’ll sample Hue’s imperial-inspired cuisine.
In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle and ride into the quiet, green world of Thuy Bieu Village. Follow peaceful backroads lined with pomelo orchards and shady gardens. This rare variety of pomelo, known as Thanh Tra, is smaller, sweeter, and was once reserved for royalty.
Along the way, take time to explore local life: visit small schools, centuries-old communal houses, and traditional garden houses — homes typical of Hue’s aristocratic past.
Continue through the serene hamlets of Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan, where time seems to slow and the beauty of everyday life unfolds. Return to the city and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Hue
Included: Private A/C vehicle · English-speaking guide · Entrance fees · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation


Begin your morning with a relaxed breakfast, then board a dragon boat for a tranquil cruise along the Perfume River. Glide past riverside gardens until you reach Thien Mu Pagoda — Hue’s oldest and most iconic temple.
From here, continue your journey into Vietnam’s imperial legacy with a visit to the majestic Imperial Citadel. Walk through grand gates and moss-covered courtyards as your guide brings to life the reign of the Nguyen emperors.
After your cultural morning, transfer to Hue Airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, a driver will greet you and take you to your hotel.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Included: Breakfast · Dragon boat ride · Private A/C vehicle · English-speaking guide · Entrance fees · Domestic flight · Airport transfers


This morning, you’ll journey to the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City to visit the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels — an extraordinary underground network used during the war. Walk through portions of the tunnels, see hidden trapdoors and underground chambers, and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s resilience.
After returning to the city, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Reunification Palace. At the War Remnants Museum, powerful exhibits offer a raw and moving look at the cost of conflict.
To close the day, join your guide for a sidewalk coffee, learning about local slang, cultural quirks, and the rhythms of city life.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Included: Private A/C vehicle · Tour guide · Entrance fees · Meals: B, L · Hotel accommodation


Leave the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City behind and head south to Ben Tre, the “land of coconuts.” Board a local boat and cruise along quiet waterways to visit a riverside workshop where coconut shells are transformed into activated charcoal using traditional kilns.
Continue across the Cửa Đại and Cửa Tiểu branches of the Mekong River. Arrive at Tam Hiệp Island and check in to your welcoming homestay at Út Trinh’s house.
In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle to a unique farm where locals grow lá sâm, used to make herbal jelly. Learn to prepare this cooling Mekong specialty and taste it fresh.
Continue cycling along narrow village paths shaded by orchards. Stop at a local family home to sample seasonal fruits and sip honey tea. Then, board a rowing sampan and drift through the smaller canals of the Mekong.
Return to the homestay and in the evening, join your host in the kitchen for a traditional dinner.
Overnight in Tam Hiệp Island (Út Trinh Homestay)
Included: Private transfer · Boat rides · Biking · English-speaking guide · Meals: L, D · Homestay accommodation


Wake to the sounds of island life and enjoy breakfast at your Tam Hiệp homestay. Take a leisurely bike ride through fruit orchards and stop at a local market and bee farm to learn how honey is harvested. Make a quiet stop at a small village pagoda before returning to your homestay for tea and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Included: Private transfer · Biking · English-speaking guide · Meals: L · Hotel accommodation


Your Picturesque Vietnam tour comes to a close today. Enjoy a final breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few moments to explore the neighborhood or relax at your hotel. When ready, your driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
Included: Breakfast · Private airport transfer
Gallery
Hotel
The hotels listed below are our carefully selected standard options. Please note that final confirmation may vary depending on availability and your chosen budget level.
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Tour Map



